Mt. Blue Middle School principal faces backlash for ICE agent costume

While the principal’s sister says he never meant to hurt anyone, some community members are calling the incident “extremely tone deaf”.

FARMINGTON, Maine — A widely shared photo showing Mt. Blue Middle School Principal James Black dressed as a Federal Immigration Enforcement (ICE) agent for Halloween has prompted backlash.

In the image, Black is seen wearing a tactical vest marked “POLICE ICE,” a cap emblazoned with “ICE,” an American‑flag gaiter, and zip‑ties clipped to his hip.

“There was no ill will in this at all,” Melissa Canty, Black’s sister, said. She told News Center Maine the costume was worn at a private family Halloween party and was not intended to offend.

“He’s an amazing man, and he would never have done anything to try and hurt anyone,” Canty added.

She explained that their family has a proud history of law enforcement service. Since the image began circulating on social media, however, she says the family has received a flow of hateful comments.

But others in the Farmington community and beyond say Black’s costume was inappropriate, especially for someone in a leadership role at a public school.

“It’s extremely tone-deaf, it’s hurtful, it’s painful to see,” Emily Angela, a community member who saw the photo online, said. She believes the costume could send the wrong message to students.

“I believe he should be terminated over this,” Angela said. “If not, he should resign from his position because it is absolutely disgusting in my eyes.”

Angela said that, since speaking out, she has also received hateful and even racist comments from those who disagree with her.

“There’s just a more peaceful way that we can go about things at the end of the day, and I really hope that we can come together and create more peace,” Angela added.

The district appeared to have addressed the controversy in a Facebook post on Monday, stating:

“RSU 9 is aware of a situation from this past weekend involving a school employee. We have received multiple communications from staff members and community members with concerns and/or questions about the matter. As we understand it, this situation occurred off RSU 9 grounds and was not connected to any RSU 9-sponsored activities. The district is responding to this situation in a manner consistent with our internal practices and procedures. We are also complying with our legal obligation to maintain the confidentiality of our employees. We will not be making further public comments at this time.”

Neither the superintendent nor members of the school board responded to NEWS CENTER Maine’s request for comment.

In a statement, Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Tricia McLaughlin called the backlash against the costume “insane.”

“Since when is it controversial to dress up as a law enforcement officer for Halloween? Calls for this principal’s firing because he dressed up as a law enforcement officer for Halloween reveal the true derangement of those who oppose ICE law enforcement,” McLaughlin told NEWS CENTER Maine.

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